California State University , Long Beach is nationally recognized as a leading public comprehensive university. Inside this section you'll find information regarding each department within the University's colleges as well as links to academic roadmaps and university programs such as athletics and student leadership.

Graduation rates for CSULB students have increased dramatically in recent years and the length of time it takes students to complete degrees has decreased. The availability of needed courses and support improved graduation rates. These improvements were key to the naming of CSULB as one of "America's Best Colleges and Universities" by U.S. News and World Report.

Physics and Astronomy

Graduate Programs

Master of Science in Physics

Option in Applied Physics

The Option in Applied Physics provides a master's degree program that emphasizes concepts and techniques particularly appropriate for applied physics. It is intended for students having a background in physics, engineering, or a related field.

Prerequisites

1. A bachelor's degree with a major in physics, or

2. A bachelor's degree with a major in engineering with upper division physics substantially equivalent to PHYS 310, 340A,B, and 450, as determined by the graduate advisor, or

PHYS 698 Thesis (6)
Prerequisite: Advancement to candidacy for the M.S. in Physics.

Completion of a written thesis, and an oral presentation of the thesis research. The members of the candidate's thesis committee must approve the thesis before the student may schedule the oral presentation.

Note: Students must be advanced to candidacy before enrolling in PHYS 698. As early as possible, a graduate student should choose a thesis chair who will help in selecting the student's thesis committee consisting of at least three members (including the thesis chair and at least one other faculty member of the Department).

Advancement to Candidacy

1. The regulations governing the master's degree are those in effect at the time of advancement to candidacy. Students must fulfill the University requirements for advancement to candidacy.

2. A student must have a "B" average or better in six units of physics applicable toward the master's degree, of which at least three units are at the graduate level.

3. Recognizing that effective organization and verbal communication of physics are a necessary part of a successful graduate program, the Department of Physics and Astronomy normally requires that a graduate student serve at least one semester as a teaching associate or a graduate assistant as part of the M.S. program. Exceptions may be granted by the Graduate Advisor.

4. Approval of the degree program by the graduate advisor, the Department Chair and Associate Dean in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.